Oldest Known Living Person, Edna Parker, Turns 115
So here’s an accomplishment to shout from the rooftops: Turning 115! Can you imagine?!?
The lovely Edna Parker of Indiana can. This Sunday, Edna will celebrate her 115th birthday.
One of only 75 living people (64 women and 11 men) who is 110 or older, scientists are hoping that Edna’s DNA can unlock the “Holy Grail” of longevity. Is having a long life a genetic thing? It’s definitely possible. In fact, nearly all centenarians have a sister, mother, or other relative who lived a long life. The same is true for Edna, whose two sisters lived to be 99 and 88.
While more research is being conducted on these long-living folks, the current thinking is that there are several genetic mutations in centenarians that may contribute to either slowing the aging process or boosting resistance to age-related diseases. The secret to longevity, then, appears to be a mix of genetics and health habits. Another surprising finding? Most centenarians appear anxiety-free and tend not to dwell on stressful events.
Just one more reason to relax a little harder this weekend, huh?
Whatever her secret, we wish Edna a very Happy Birthday and send our best for continued health and happiness.
Further reading on the New England Centenarian Study, which Edna is a part of.
Tags: 115-Year-Old Woman, Aging, Centenarians, Edna Parker, Guiness Records Oldest Person, Long Life, Longevity, Old Age, Oldest PersonRelated Stories
POSTED IN: A Mother's Wisdom, Event, Misc., Oddities, Web
7 opinions for Oldest Known Living Person, Edna Parker, Turns 115
kartik sivaraman
Apr 19, 2008 at 9:09 am
Best wishes and may God bless Edna.
One amazing person indeed.
Keep on trucking because the roads are clear.
Trisha
Apr 21, 2008 at 6:39 pm
I’m fascinated with longevity and research on it. As far as lifestyle factors go, there are a number of common elements found in groups of people who tend to live longer. National Geographic has had stories about it and I posted something recently myself about what Dan Buettner has discovered and written about.
Liberty
Apr 22, 2008 at 6:57 am
Hooray for Edna! We hope she had a wonderful day.
Trisha, you’re right. Longevity is fascinating. Though I will say it is a little scary to think about how our world would ever be able to meet the resources needed for a population to live so long.
The idea of longevity is fantastic; the reality of it? Not so sure…
Trisha
Apr 23, 2008 at 3:46 pm
The reality of it - its definitely possible. We just have to keep finding new, more efficient energy sources.
Sanong Suksaweang
Apr 24, 2008 at 9:41 am
I have a grandma who is now 109 in Thailand and she is not in any record book just yet. Also, my grandfather who is 105 and still walking fine.
Anika Hutchinson
May 10, 2008 at 2:41 pm
That’s simply woonderfull!
Longevity is truely a blessing and gift from GOD. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!
Dominic
Aug 11, 2008 at 12:39 am
hello Edna that is amazing i am from Michigan i wish i could live for that long and Im only 14 try to break the record of 122 hope you do i am so amazed
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